BOONE, Iowa—The Boone City Council’s Public Safety and Transportation Committee has accepted a recommendation from Public Works Director John Rouse and will recommend to the full Council next week that work be done to restore the integrity of gravel roads in the city limits. Rouse had warned Council members over a month ago that they would be getting numerous complaints about the roads and alleys. At the time he said there was little that could be done because of the amount of moisture and the usual spring thaw. In early March, Rouse prepared recommendations for the Public Safety and Transportation Committee. They included everything from doing nothing to complete paving projects. His recommendation is to try and rebuild the roads, with new ditching to drain water. His recommendation is to use Public Works staff and private contractors when necessary and as funds permit. Work could not begin until roads dry up. Rouse says there are fewer than 10-miles of gravel roads in the city and they are in varying stages of need. Those in the worse shape would be worked on first. The Committee’s recommendation will also include a reminder to residents that have their road paved is an option they may want to consider, but will be left up to the residents.

Council member Nick Mallas did raise a concern. Mallas said that he gets more complaints about the condition of alleys then he does about gravel roads. Since there are more miles of alleys, maybe there should be consideration to rebuilding those first instead of the gravel roads.